Brian Henry, assistant superintendent of instructional services; Judene Blackburn, superintendent; and Marianne Ward, director of communication and marketing, view the installation from the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence building.

By Melissa BuckleyGUIDON staff
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The Waynesville R-VI administrators got a behind the scenes tour of Fort Leonard Wood June 10.

“With 75 percent of our students being military impacted, it is important for Waynesville R-VI leaders to stay connected with the post and find increasing ways to partner with the military to better serve our students,” said Judene Blackburn, Waynesville R-VI superintendent. “Beyond seeing the post and experiencing training exercises, the most important aspect of the tour is building personal relationships with military and civilian leaders on post.”

More than 30 administrators, including the assistant superintendents, principals, assistant principals and program directors participated in the tour.

“The tour helped administrators comprehend the size of the installation and the breadth and depth of the training that occurs there. For some, it was their very first time on a military base and that is something they will always remember,” said Brian Henry, assistant superintendent of instructional services.

Blackburn agreed.

“Seeing and experiencing training personally connects each of us to the installation. It also deepens our appreciation for the military and civilians who work on Fort Leonard Wood daily. Additionally, seeing the training reminds us all of the importance of our neighbors to the state, nation and world,” Blackburn said.

Blackburn said she had two favorite moments while touring post.

“One was watching our team members drive the vehicle simulators; they quickly realized that it’s not as easy as it looks. When they see a convoy in the future, they will understand why the vehicles are driving slowly,” Blackburn said. “The other favorite was enjoying lunch with commanding general, command sergeant major Murphy and deputy garrison commander in a dining facility.”

“Our Soldiers sacrifice so much for our nation, and we, as a community, want to show our support for them, their families and especially their children. Together, this community and installation can solve any problem that comes our way,” she added.